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Alcohol is legal and widely consumed around the world. For that reason, many people think of it as a harmless substance. But, is alcohol a drug? The answer is yes, and here’s why. Alcohol Is a Depressant Drugs can be stimulants, sedatives, depressants or pain relievers. Most people would be surprised to learn that alcohol is a depressant. Although many people drink alcohol for its stimulant benefits, the substance actually slows down the central nervous system. Clearly, alcohol leaves a negative impact, as evidenced by the effects of a hangover. Alcohol is a depressant substance, which makes it very ... Read more

Meet Jennifer! Meet May’s spotlight employee Jennifer Armstrong! Jennifer has been working as the HR Manager at Memphis Recovery Centers for 15 years. Jennifer works hard behind the scenes in many different aspects of administration to make sure that we can work toward fulfilling our mission everyday. Thank you Jennifer for helping us make a difference!

Prescription drug addiction and abuse run rampant across all demographics. However, it’s particularly worrying for young people. Addictive medications can affect young adults in devastating ways. Prescription Drug Abuse Can Affect Brain Development Prescription drugs in various forms can affect cognitive function. Many people that use prescription drugs recreationally will see a reduction in memory, judgment or rational thinking. For young people, these issues are more pronounced. Additionally, prescription drugs can impede brain development. The human brain can develop well into adulthood. Using prescription drugs while the brain is still developing may create lasting cognitive problems. In some studies, young people ... Read more

In the past, society has viewed addiction as a choice or some kind of moral flaw. In reality, that definition couldn’t be further from the truth. You might be asking, “Is addiction a disease?” Without a doubt, the answer is, “Yes.” Is Addiction a Disease? The Answer Is Yes The National Institute on Drug Abuse is just one governing body that identifies addiction as a disease. In order for addiction to be considered as an illness, it usually needs to be something professionals can clearly diagnose. Because The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders includes substance abuse disorder, addiction is clearly ... Read more

Meet April’s spotlight employee, Shane Kennedy! Shane is a Clinical Assistant in our Youth Development Program where he is dedicated to sharing his life experiences in hopes of making a difference in the lives of our patients. We are so grateful for the care and patience he shows toward these young men daily. Thank you Shane for being a valued member of our team!

Addiction treatment can come in many different varieties. Prospective patients and their loved ones face a number of decisions when trying to find the best care. One important question will be deciding between inpatient vs outpatient care. Learn more about both before making your choice. Defining Inpatient Addiction Programs In the most basic sense, inpatient drug rehab is where patients spend all of their time in a chosen facility. As a 24/7 program, patients spend each night on the premises. For patients with a severe addiction, inpatient programs are often the most obvious starting point. They allow for around-the-clock medical ... Read more

Living with loved ones who suffer from alcoholism isn’t easy. In fact, it can be extremely stressful and frustrating. However, there are things that people can do if their loved ones show signs of alcoholism. Adjusting their approach and providing compassionate support may encourage alcoholics to get the help that they need. Don’t Blame Yourself First and foremost, people can’t blame themselves for alcoholics’ problems. It’s easy to place the blame on themselves when loved ones show signs of a drinking problem. However, they can’t take those problems personally or try to control them, either. Instead, they can help lead ... Read more

Meet this month’s spotlight employee, Mary Rodgers! Mary is a Counselor in our Adult Program where she has been helping patients overcome addiction for 9 years. She stays busy conducting individual and group therapy as well as planning special projects for our patients like talent shows and poetry nights. Spend a few minutes with Mary and you will see that she has a passion for helping others begin the lifelong process of recovery. Thank you Mary for helping us make a difference in our patients’ lives!

Across the country, countless people suffer from living with a heroin addict. Despite this, very few people who use heroin ever get the treatment that they need. Part of the reason may be that loved ones want to avoid the truth that their spouses have heroin problems. Below is more information on how you can tell if your spouse suffers from heroin addiction. Signs of a Heroin Addict It’s hard for people to accept that their loved ones may have a heroin addiction. Rather than turn a blind eye, it’s important for them to look for potential red flags. Physical ... Read more

Drug addiction is a compulsive and chronic disease. People who don’t suffer from addiction often struggle to understand its complexity, which is why addiction treatment programs involve multiple steps. Learn more about taking that first step. The First Step in Addiction Treatment Programs The first step in getting addiction help depends on the rehab centers that people visit. For example, some will say that the first step is getting help or admitting that there’s a problem. Others will say that the first step is detox. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, undergoing detox first is the proper approach. In ... Read more